Like all counties, Canada's culture has it own and unique distinctions. The Citizenship & Immigration Canada's newcomers guide is an excellent resource to help you understand some of the differences you might encounter when making your move to Canada.
Language
Canada has two official languages, English and Français.
Weather and Climate
Because of its immense size, climate throughout Canada varies. For example, the southernmost point in Canada is on the same latitude as northern California, while the Canadian north extends deep into the Arctic.
Time Zones
Canada has six time zones. Like the United States, Pacific, Mountain, Central, and Eastern time are at one-hour intervals. But the sequence continues with Atlantic Time, one hour ahead of Eastern. The last time zone, Newfoundland time, is 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Time. London, Ontario is in the Central time zone.
Weights and Measures
Canada uses the metric system of weights and measures. For example, a litre of milk is equal to slightly less than a quart of milk (1 litre = 1.057 quarts) and a kilogram of ground beef equals slightly more than two pounds (1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds. On a pleasant summer morning when it's 72 F, it's also 22 C (F = C x 9/5 + 32) and when it's -5 C (23 F) in February, it's a great day to go skiing.
Currency and Exchange
Access the Currency Converter to find conversion rates between the Canadian dollar and other world currencies.
Most all Canadian financial institutions have Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs), also called bank machines. You'll also find ATMs located in shopping centers, airports, train stations, and corner stores. All Canadian banks are members of Interac, the Canadian domestic network for interbank electronic funds transfers.
Sales taxes in Canada
Sales taxes vary from province to province. In Ontario, most purchases include two point-of-sale taxes: The Goods and Services Tax (GST), a 5% federal tax applied to most goods and services provided in Canada, and the 8% Provincial Sales Tax (PST).
Rules of the Road
Traffic rules in Canada are similar to those in Europe. We drive on the right-hand side of the road. Distances and speed limits are posted in metric. On highways, the speed limit is usually 100 km/h (60 mph). On city streets it's around 50 km/h (30 mph). Seat belts are compulsory. Right turns on red lights are permitted in all provinces except Québec.
Holidays
The following statutory holidays are observed in Canada. All banks and many retail operations are closed during these days.
New Year's Day
January 1st
Family Day
the third Monday in February
Good Friday
late March - late April (date varies)
Easter Sunday
Easter Monday
the Monday after good Friday
Victoria Day
the Monday that falls within the period between May 18 - 24
Canada Day
July 1st
Civic Holiday
the Monday that falls within the period between August 1-7
Labour Day
the Monday that falls within the period between September 1-7
Thanksgiving
the Monday that falls within the period between October 8-14
